Inquiry Lesson Feedback: Kerly W

Evaluated by: Jay F.
Score: 9/10

This set of activities is very promising. I like the idea of adapting materials developed in the national Centers such as the one at Stevens. Good choice. I also like the way you connected your rationale for this set of activities with the Novak and Krajcik reading. I know that project well (Ann Novak was my daughter's seventh grade science teacher) and I was impressed with what the students were able to do by the end of the project.

Standards / Learning Performances

You link the lesson to topics in the national standards, but only state them in term of understandings. You should go a little deeper into the subtopics in the relevant standards. Since we are interested students developing deep understandings, what do you expect students to do with what they understand?

Is it clear that the lesson addresses both important content and scientific practices?

I think is clear, but I also think that the way you are describing the lesson in your plan you have de-emphasized the science students need to understand in order understand what they are doing at the pond.

Instructional Activities

What science practices are required?

There is ample opportunities for organizing procedures, collecting and sharing data, and analyzing data to draw conclusions.

How are the science practices supported?

You have the materials from the Center. How will you support your students understanding each of the varous tests? In the Novak project, students spend a lot of class time understanding the importance of the various tests, how the probes worked etc. This was not mentioned in your plans. I think that each of these activities could culminate (and make authentic) a lot of in-class learning.

How are the science practices assessed?

You have several assessment ideas and materials.